The collection consists of three boxes of correspondence, 1908-1954; one box of clippings, financial information, marketing agreements, minutes of meetings and conventions, and similar miscellaneous material; and four volumes concerning operation of the Milltown Co-operative Laundry, 1914-1916.

The correspondence is arranged chronologically and is almost entirely letters to Nelson chiefly from men working with him in farmers' organizations. Those from 1914-1917 are mainly about the Milltown Co-operative Laundry Company, the first such company in Wisconsin. From 1917-1919, they concern the Polk County Council of Defense of which Nelson was chairman. The 1921-1922 letters come from constituents urging Assemblyman Nelson's support for or opposition to various bills.

Beginning in 1923, letters from fellow members of farmers' groups predominate. Most concern the Society of Equity (mainly 1922-31), the Farmers' Union (mainly 1934-41), and, to a lesser extent, the Co-operative Creameries Association (1920s). All are related to the workings of these organizations rather than to the ideologies behind them.

Also of interest are letters from 1931 to 1933 on arrangements for Wisconsin's exhibits at the Chicago Centennial of Progress. There are a few letters about the 1934 campaign when Nelson was Socialist candidate for governor and the 1936 one when he was the nominee for vice-president.

The four volumes are all dated within the period from 1914 to 1916 and concern the Milltown Cooperative Laundry. Volumes 1, 2, and 3 are account books listing (1) incoming money from customers, (2) daily accounts, and (3) outgoing expenses, respectively. Volume 4 is a record of shareholders.